Modern banking services have evolved to offer customers convenient and efficient ways to manage their finances. One such innovation is the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) technology, which allows banking transactions to be conducted through a simple and accessible platform on mobile phones.
The service is like that quick and efficient friend who gets things done without all the fluff. It’s a technology used by mobile phones to communicate with a service provider’s servers through short codes, making transaction a breeze.
With Zenith Bank USSD, customers can perform a variety of transactions such as balance inquiries, funds transfers, bill payments, and airtime top-ups directly from their mobile phones.
The service provides a convenient and secure way for customers to manage their accounts without the need to visit a bank branch or ATM.
In this article, we will explore the Zenith Bank USSD service, detailing its registration process, key features and benefits and transaction capabilities.
Read: Standard Chartered Bank ussd : How to activate and register
Features and Benefits
Zenith Bank’s USSD code (*966#) offers a convenient and accessible way for customers to manage their finances on their mobile phones.
Features of Zenith Bank USSD (966#):
- Balance Inquiry: Check your account balance anytime, anywhere.
- Transfers: Transfer funds to other Zenith Bank accounts or to accounts in other banks within Nigeria.
- Airtime Purchase: Recharge your phone or buy airtime for others on all major networks (MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile).
- Bill Payments: Pay utility bills (electricity, water), cable TV subscriptions, and other bills conveniently.
- Card Management: Block your ATM card in case of loss or theft.
- PIN/Password Reset: Reset your forgotten PIN or password.
- BVN Update: Update your Bank Verification Number (BVN).
- Account Opening: Initiate the process of opening a new Zenith Bank account.
*Benefits of using Zenith Bank USSD (966#):
- Convenience: Access banking services 24/7 from your mobile phone without needing an internet connection or a smartphone.
- Accessibility: The service is available to all Zenith Bank account holders with a registered mobile number.
- Speed and Efficiency: Transactions are processed quickly and efficiently.
- Security: Transactions are protected with a PIN, and the service uses encryption to secure your information.
- Cost-Effective: While some transactions may have charges, most basic services like balance inquiry are free.
- Financial Inclusion: It enables people without access to internet banking or physical bank branches to conveniently access banking services.
Also read: Stanbic IBTC Bank USSD: How to register and activate it
Requirements to register for zenith bank ussd
To register for Zenith Bank USSD banking (*966#), you’ll need the following:
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An active Zenith Bank account: You must have an existing account with Zenith Bank.
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A registered mobile phone number: The mobile phone number you use to register for USSD banking must be the one linked to your Zenith Bank account. If your number is not yet linked, you’ll need to visit a Zenith Bank branch to update your details.
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Your debit card (optional): If you have a Zenith Bank debit card, you can use it to register for USSD banking. You’ll need the last four digits of your card.
Read: How to register for Polaris bank ussd and transfer
How to transfer money from Zenith bank ussd
Zenith Bank offers two main ways to transfer money using USSD codes:
1. Direct Transfer (Within Zenith Bank):
- Dial
*966*Amount*Account Number#(e.g.,* 966*1000*1234567890#) from the phone number you registered with Zenith Bank. - Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the recipient’s details and complete the transaction.
2. Transfer (To Other Banks):
- Dial
*966*Amount*Account Number#(e.g., *966*1000*1234567890#) from your registered phone number. - Select the beneficiary bank by entering the corresponding bank code.
- Confirm the details (beneficiary name, bank, and amount) on the confirmation page.
- Enter your 4-digit PIN to authorize the transfer.
Read: How to register and activate fcmb ussd code
How to check account balance with zenith bank ussd
You can easily check your Zenith Bank account balance using USSD with these steps:
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Dial *966*00#: Using the mobile phone number linked to your Zenith Bank account, dial the USSD code.
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Select “Balance Inquiry”: From the menu options presented, choose the option for “Balance Inquiry.” You can usually find this as option 1 or under the account services section.
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Enter Your PIN: Enter your Zenith Bank USSD PIN. If you haven’t set up a PIN yet, you might need to register for the service first.
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View Your Balance: Your account balance will be displayed on your phone screen. You might also receive an SMS with your balance details for your records.
Alternative: You can also dial *966# directly and follow the prompts to select “Balance Inquiry.”
How to reset zenith bank ussd PIN
You have a couple of options to reset your Zenith Bank USSD PIN:
Using USSD Code:
- Dial *966*60# on your mobile phone linked to your Zenith Bank account.
- Follow the on-screen prompts. You will likely be asked to provide some security information, such as your account number or debit card details.
- Choose the option to reset your PIN.
- Create a new 4-digit PIN.
- Confirm your new PIN.
FAQS
Q: What is the Zenith Bank USSD code?
A: The Zenith Bank USSD code is *966#.
Q: How do I register for Zenith Bank USSD banking?
A: Dial *966*00# and follow the prompts. You will need to provide your account number and either the last four digits of your debit card or your registered phone number.
Q: What transactions can I perform using Zenith Bank USSD?
A: You can:
- Check your account balance
- Transfer funds to Zenith Bank and other bank accounts
- Buy airtime for yourself or others
- Pay bills (DSTV, PHCN, etc.)
- Block your card
- Request a mini statement
- Reset your PIN or password
- Open a savings account (9660#)
Q: Is it safe to use Zenith Bank USSD banking?
A: Yes, Zenith Bank employs security measures to protect your information and transactions, including PIN authentication and data encryption. However, always be cautious and avoid sharing your PIN with anyone.
Q: Can I use Zenith Bank USSD on any phone?
A: Yes, the *966# service works on any phone with a network connection, including feature phones.
Q: Are there charges for using Zenith Bank USSD?
A: Yes, some transactions may attract a small fee. The exact charges will be displayed before you confirm a transaction.
Q: I forgot my PIN. How do I reset it?
A: Dial *966*60# and follow the prompts to reset your PIN.
Q: How do I block my card using Zenith Bank USSD?
A: Dial *966*911# and follow the prompts to block your card.
Q: Can I open an account using Zenith Bank USSD?
A: Yes, you can initiate the account opening process by dialing *966*0#. You’ll be asked for some personal information and will need to visit a branch to complete the process.
